Search This Blog

468x60.

728x90

 


www.nice.org.uk/guidance/TA409

▶ Aflibercept for treating choroidal neovascularisation

(November 2017) NICE TA486

Aflibercept is recommended, within its marketing

authorisation, as an option for treating visual impairment

because of myopic choroidal neovascularisation in adults,

only if the manufacturer provides aflibercept with the

discount agreed in the patient access scheme.

If patients and their clinicians consider both aflibercept

and ranibizumab to be suitable treatments, the least costly

should be used, taking into account anticipated

administration costs, dosage and price per dose.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/TA486

Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) decisions

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has advised (October

2016) that aflibercept (Eylea ®) is accepted for use within

BNF 78 Macular degeneration 1189

Eye

11

NHS Scotland in adults for the treatment of visual

impairment due to myopic choroidal neovascularisation.

This advice is contingent upon the continuing availability

of the patient access scheme in NHS Scotland or a list price

that is equivalent or lower.

l MEDICINAL FORMS There can be variation in the licensing of

different medicines containing the same drug.

Solution for injection

▶ Eylea (Bayer Plc)

Aflibercept 40 mg per 1 ml Eylea 2mg/50microlitres solution for

injection vials | 1 vial P £816.00

Ranibizumab 24-Aug-2018

l INDICATIONS AND DOSE

Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration

(specialist use only)| Diabetic macular oedema

(specialist use only)| Macular oedema secondary to

retinal vein occlusion (specialist use only)| Choroidal

neovascularisation (specialist use only)

▶ BY INTRAVITREAL INJECTION

▶ Adult: Initially 500 micrograms once a month, to be

administered into the affected eye, until maximum

visual acuity is achieved or there are no signs of disease

activity, for continued treatment and subsequent dose

intervals—consult product literature, discontinue

treatment if no improvement in visual and anatomic

outcomes

Concomitant treatment of diabetic macular oedema, or

macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein

occlusion, with laser photocoagulation (specialist use

only)

▶ BY INTRAVITREAL INJECTION

▶ Adult: 500 micrograms, to be administered at least

30 minutes after laser photocoagulation

l CONTRA-INDICATIONS Ocular or periocular infection . severe intra-ocular inflammation . signs of irreversible

ischaemic visual function loss in patients with retinal vein

occlusion

l CAUTIONS Active systemic infection . diabetic macular

oedema due to type 1 diabetes (limited information

available). diabetic patients with HbA1c over 12% . history

of stroke . history of transient ischaemic attack . patients at

risk of retinal pigment epithelial tear. previous intravitreal

injections . proliferative diabetic retinopathy .retinal

detachment or macular hole (discontinue treatment if

rhegmatogenous retinal detachment or stage 3 or 4

macular holes develop). uncontrolled hypertension

CAUTIONS, FURTHER INFORMATION Ranibizumab is given

by intravitreal injection by specialists. There is a potential

risk of arterial thromboembolic events and non-ocular

haemorrhage following the intravitreal injection of

vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors.

Endophthalmitis can occur after intravitreal injections—

patients should be advised to report any signs of infection

immediately.

l INTERACTIONS → Appendix 1: ranibizumab

l SIDE-EFFECTS

▶ Common or very common Anaemia . anxiety . arthralgia . cataract. cough . dry eye . eye discomfort. eye disorders . eye inflammation . haemorrhage . headache . hypersensitivity . increased risk of infection . lens opacity . nausea .retinal pigment epithelial tear. vision disorders

▶ Uncommon Corneal deposits

▶ Frequency not known Arterial thromboembolism

l CONCEPTION AND CONTRACEPTION Manufacturer

recommends women use effective contraception during

and for at least 3 months after treatment.

l PREGNANCY Manufacturer advises avoid unless potential

benefit outweighs risk.

l BREAST FEEDING Manufacturer advises avoid—no

information available.

l MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

▶ Manufacturer advises monitor intra-ocular pressure,

perfusion of the optic nerve head, and for signs of ocular

infection following injection.

▶ Manufacturer advises monitor visual acuity.

l DIRECTIONS FOR ADMINISTRATION For further information

on administration, consult product literature.

l NATIONAL FUNDING/ACCESS DECISIONS

NICE decisions

▶ Ranibizumab for treating choroidal neovascularisation

associated with pathological myopia (November 2013)

NICE TA298

Ranibizumab is recommended as an option for treating

visual impairment due to choroidal neovascularisation

secondary to pathological myopia when the manufacturer

provides ranibizumab with the discount agreed in the

patient access scheme.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta298

▶ Ranibizumab for the treating visual impairment caused by

macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (May

2013) NICE TA283

Ranibizumab is recommended as an option for treating

visual impairment caused by macular oedema:

. following central retinal vein occlusion or

. following branch retinal vein occlusion only if treatment

with laser photocoagulation has not been beneficial, or

when laser photocoagulation is not suitable because of

the extent of macular haemorrhage and

. only if the manufacturer provides ranibizumab with the

discount agreed in the patient access scheme revised in

the context of NICE technology appraisal guidance 274.

Patients currently receiving ranibizumab whose disease

does not meet the criteria listed above should be able to

continue treatment until they and their clinician consider

it appropriate to stop.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta283

▶ Ranibizumab for treating diabetic macular oedema (February

2013) NICE TA274

Ranibizumab is recommended as an option for the

treatment of visual impairment due to diabetic macular

oedema only if:

. the eye has a central retinal thickness of

400 micrometres or more at the start of treatment and

. the manufacturer provides ranibizumab with the

discount agreed in the patient access scheme (as revised

in 2012).

Patients currently receiving ranibizumab for treating

visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema whose

disease does not meet the criteria should be able to

continue treatment until they and their clinician consider

it appropriate to stop.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta274

▶ Ranibizumab and pegaptanib for the treatment of age-related

macular degeneration (updated May 2012) NICE TA155

Ranibizumab is recommended for the treatment of wet

age-related macular degeneration if all of the following

apply:

. the best corrected visual acuity is between 6/12 and

6/96;

. there is no permanent structural damage to the central

fovea;

. the lesion size is less than or equal to 12 disc areas in

greatest linear dimension;

. there is evidence of recent presumed disease

progression;

1190 Retinal disorders BNF 78

Eye

11

. the manufacturer provides ranibizumab with the

discount agreed in the patient access scheme (as revised

in 2012).

Ranibizumab should only be continued in patients who

maintain adequate response to therapy.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta155

Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) decisions

SMC No. 381/07

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has advised (June 2007)

that ranibizumab (Lucentis ®) is accepted for use within

NHS Scotland for the treatment of neovascular (wet) agerelated macular degeneration.

SMC No. 711/11

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has advised

(December 2012) that ranibizumab (Lucentis ®) is accepted

for restricted use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of

visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema in

adults with best corrected visual acuity 75 Early Treatment

Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters or less at baseline. This

advice is contingent upon the continuing availability of

the patient access scheme in NHS Scotland or a list price

that is equivalent or lower.

SMC No. 732/11

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has advised (May

2013) that ranibizumab (Lucentis ®) is accepted for use

within NHS Scotland for the treatment of macular oedema

secondary to branch or central retinal vein occlusion in

adults. This advice is contingent upon the continuing

availability of the patient access scheme in NHS Scotland

or a list price that is equivalent or lower.

SMC No. 907/13

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has advised

(November 2013) that ranibizumab (Lucentis ®) is accepted

for use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of visual

impairment due to choroidal neovascularisation secondary

to pathologic myopia in adults. This advice is contingent

upon the continuing availability of the patient access

scheme in NHS Scotland or a list price that is equivalent or

lower.

All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) decisions

AWMSG No. 3233

The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group has advised (June

2018) that ranibizumab (Lucentis ®) is recommended as an

option for use within NHS Wales for the treatment of

visual impairment in adults due to choroidal

neovascularisation not due to pathological myopia or wet

age-related macular degeneration. This recommendation

applies only in circumstances where the approved Patient

Access Scheme (PAS) is utilised or where the list/contract

price is equivalent or lower than the PAS price.

l MEDICINAL FORMS There can be variation in the licensing of

different medicines containing the same drug.

Solution for injection

▶ Lucentis (Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd)

Ranibizumab 10 mg per 1 ml Lucentis 2.3mg/0.23ml solution for

injection vials | 1 vial P £551.00 (Hospital only)

Lucentis 1.65mg/0.165ml solution for injection pre-filled syringes | 1 pre-filled disposable injection P £551.00

PHOTOSENSITISERS

Verteporfin 06-Feb-2019

l DRUG ACTION Following intravenous infusion, verteporfin

is activated by local irradiation using non-thermal red

light to produce cytotoxic derivatives.

l INDICATIONS AND DOSE

Photodynamic treatment of age-related macular

degeneration associated with predominantly classic

subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation or with

pathological myopia (specialist use only)

▶ BY INTRAVENOUS INFUSION

▶ Adult: 6 mg/m2

, dose to be given over 10 minutes

l CONTRA-INDICATIONS Acute porphyrias p. 1058

l CAUTIONS Avoid extravasation . biliary obstruction . photosensitivity

l INTERACTIONS → Appendix 1: verteporfin

l SIDE-EFFECTS

▶ Common or very common Asthenia . dizziness . dyspnoea . headache . hypercholesterolaemia . hypersensitivity . infusion related chest pain . infusion related reaction . nausea . photosensitivity reaction . syncope . vision

disorders

▶ Uncommon Eye inflammation . fever. haemorrhage . hyperaesthesia . hypertension . pain .retinal detachment. skin reactions

▶ Rare or very rare Malaise .retinal ischaemia

▶ Frequency not known Myocardial infarction .retinal

pigment epithelial tear

l PREGNANCY Manufacturer advises use only if potential

benefit outweighs risk (teratogenic in animal studies).

l BREAST FEEDING No information available—manufacturer

advises avoid breast-feeding for 48 hours after

administration.

l HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT Manufacturer advises caution in

moderate impairment and avoid in severe impairment (no

information available).

l DIRECTIONS FOR ADMINISTRATION For information on

administration and light activation, consult product

literature.

For intravenous infusion (Visudyne ®), give intermittently

in Glucose 5%; reconstitute each 15 mg with 7 ml water for

injections to produce a 2 mg/ml solution then dilute

requisite dose with infusion fluid to a final volume of

30 mL and give over 10 minutes; protect infusion from

light and administer within 4 hours of reconstitution.

Incompatible with sodium chloride infusion.

l PATIENT AND CARER ADVICE Photosensitivity—avoid

exposure of unprotected skin and eyes to bright light

during infusion and for 48 hours afterwards.

l MEDICINAL FORMS There can be variation in the licensing of

different medicines containing the same drug.

Powder for solution for infusion

EXCIPIENTS: May contain Butylated hydroxytoluene

▶ Visudyne (Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd)

Verteporfin 15 mg Visudyne 15mg powder for solution for infusion

vials | 1 vial P £850.00 (Hospital only)

6.2 Macular oedema

Other drugs used for Macular oedema Aflibercept, p. 1008 . Dexamethasone, p. 675 . Ranibizumab, p. 1190

BNF 78 Macular oedema 1191

Eye

11

CORTICOSTEROIDS

eiiiF 672i

Fluocinolone acetonide 08-Feb-2019

l INDICATIONS AND DOSE

Treatment of visual impairment associated with chronic

diabetic macular oedema which is insufficiently

responsive to available therapies (specialist use only)

▶ BY INTRAVITREAL INJECTION

▶ Adult: 190 micrograms, to be administered into the

affected eye

l CONTRA-INDICATIONS Active or suspected ocular infection . active or suspected peri-ocular infection . pre-existing

glaucoma

l CAUTIONS Raised baseline intra-ocular pressure

l INTERACTIONS → Appendix 1: fluocinolone

l SIDE-EFFECTS

▶ Common or very common Cataract. eye discomfort. glaucoma . haemorrhage . vision blurred

▶ Uncommon Eye disorders . headache

▶ Frequency not known Thromboembolism

l PREGNANCY Manufacturer advises avoid unless potential

benefit outweighs risk—no information available.

l BREAST FEEDING Manufacturer advises avoid unless

essential.

l MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

▶ Monitor for raised intra-ocular pressure (particularly if

raised at baseline), retinal detachment, endophthalmitis,

vitreous haemorrhage or detachment within 2–7 days

following the procedure.

▶ Monitor intra-ocular pressure at least every 3 months

thereafter (for approximately 36 months).

l DIRECTIONS FOR ADMINISTRATION Concurrent

administration to both eyes not recommended. For further

information on administration and repeat dosing, consult

product literature.

l NATIONAL FUNDING/ACCESS DECISIONS

NICE decisions

▶ Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant for treating

chronic diabetic macular oedema after an inadequate

response to prior therapy (November 2013) NICE TA301

Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant (Iluvien ®) is

recommended as an option for treating chronic diabetic

macular oedema that is insufficiently responsive to

available therapies only if:

. the implant is to be used in an eye with an intra-ocular

(pseudophakic lens), and

. the manufacturer provides fluocinolone acetonide

intravitreal implant with the discount agreed in the

patient access scheme.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta301

Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) decisions

SMC No. 864/13

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has advised (February

2014) that fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant

(Iluvien ®) is recommended for restricted use within NHS

Scotland for the treatment of vision impairment associated

with chronic diabetic macular oedema, considered

insufficiently responsive to available therapies, only in

patients in whom the affected eye is pseudophakic (has an

artificial lens after cataract surgery), and retreatment

would take place only if the patient had previously

responded to treatment with fluocinolone acetonide and

subsequently best corrected visual acuity had deteriorated

to less than 20/32. This advice is contingent upon the

continuing availability of the patient access scheme in

NHS Scotland or a list price that is equivalent or lower.

l MEDICINAL FORMS There can be variation in the licensing of

different medicines containing the same drug.

Implant

▶ Iluvien (Alimera Sciences Ltd)

Fluocinolone acetonide 190 microgram ILUVIEN 190microgram

intravitreal implant in applicator | 1 device P £5,500.00

6.3 Optic neuropathy

DRUGS FOR METABOLIC DISORDERS ›

ANTIOXIDANTS

Idebenone 31-May-2017

l DRUG ACTION Idebenone is a nootropic and antioxidant

that is thought to act by restoring cellular ATP generation,

thereby reactivating retinal ganglion cells.

l INDICATIONS AND DOSE

Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (initiated by a

specialist)

▶ BY MOUTH

▶ Adult: 300 mg 3 times a day

l SIDE-EFFECTS

▶ Common or very common Cough . diarrhoea . increased risk

of infection . pain

▶ Frequency not known Agranulocytosis . anaemia . anxiety . appetite decreased . azotaemia . delirium . dizziness . dyspepsia . hallucination . headache . hepatitis . leucopenia . malaise . movement disorders . nausea . neutropenia . poriomania . seizure . skin reactions . stupor. thrombocytopenia . urine discolouration . vomiting

SIDE-EFFECTS, FURTHER INFORMATION The metabolites of

idebenone may cause red-brown discolouration of the

urine. This effect is harmless, but the manufacturer

advises caution as this may mask colour changes due to

other causes (e.g. renal or blood disorders).

l PREGNANCY Manufacturer advises avoid unless potential

benefit outweighs risk—no information available.

l BREAST FEEDING Manufacturer advises avoid—present in

milk in animal studies.

l HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT Manufacturer advises caution (no

information available).

l RENAL IMPAIRMENT Manufacturer advises use with

caution—no information available.

l NATIONAL FUNDING/ACCESS DECISIONS

Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) decisions

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has advised (May 2017)

that idebenone (Raxone ®) is accepted for restricted use

within NHS Scotland for the treatment of visual

impairment in patients with Leber’s Hereditary Optic

Neuropathy (LHON) who are not yet blind i.e. they do not

meet the UK criteria to be registered as severely sight

impaired. This advice is contingent upon the continuing

availability of the Patient Access Scheme in NHS Scotland

or a list price that is equivalent or lower.

l MEDICINAL FORMS There can be variation in the licensing of

different medicines containing the same drug. Forms available

from special-order manufacturers include: tablet

Tablet

CAUTIONARY AND ADVISORY LABELS 14, 21

▶ Raxone (Santhera (UK) Ltd) A

Idebenone 150 mg Raxone 150mg tablets | 180 tablet P £6,364.00

1192 Retinal disorders BNF 78

Eye

11

6.4 Vitreomacular traction

RECOMBINANT PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES

Ocriplasmin

l INDICATIONS AND DOSE

Treatment of vitreomacular traction, including when

associated with a macular hole of diameter less than or

equal to 400 microns (specialist use only)

▶ BY INTRAVITREAL INJECTION

▶ Adult: 125 micrograms for 1 dose, to be administered

into the affected eye, concurrent administration to

both eyes is not recommended

l CONTRA-INDICATIONS Active or suspected ocular or

periocular infection . aphakia . exudative age-related

macular degeneration . high myopia . history of

rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. ischaemic

retinopathies . large diameter macular hole

(> 400 microns). lens zonule instability . proliferative

diabetic retinopathy .recent intra-ocular injection

(including laser therapy).recent ocular surgery .retinal

vein occlusions . vitreous haemorrhage

l CAUTIONS History of uveitis (including severe active

inflammation). non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy . significant eye trauma

l SIDE-EFFECTS

▶ Common or very common Dry eye . eye discomfort. eye

disorders . eye inflammation . haemorrhage .retinal

pigment epitheliopathy . vision disorders

l PREGNANCY Manufacturer advises use only if potential

benefit outweighs risk—no information available.

l BREAST FEEDING Manufacturer advises use only if

potential benefit outweighs risk—no information

available.

l MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Monitor intra-ocular

pressure, visual acuity, and for signs of intra-ocular

inflammation or infection following injection.

l DIRECTIONS FOR ADMINISTRATION For further information

on administration, consult product literature.

l NATIONAL FUNDING/ACCESS DECISIONS

NICE decisions

▶ Ocriplasmin for treating vitreomacular traction (October

2013) NICE TA297

Ocriplasmin is recommended as an option for treating

vitreomacular traction in adults, only if:

. an epiretinal membrane is not present and

. they have a stage II full-thickness macular hole with a

diameter of 400 microns or less and/or

. they have severe symptoms.

www.nice.org.uk/TA297

Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) decisions

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has advised (July 2014)

that ocriplasmin (Jetrea ®) is accepted for restricted use

within NHS Scotland for the treatment of patients with

vitreomacular traction plus macular hole, regardless of

whether they have epiretinal membrane formation, and in

patients with vitreomacular traction alone (no epiretinal

membrane and no macular hole).

l MEDICINAL FORMS There can be variation in the licensing of

different medicines containing the same drug.

Solution for injection

▶ Jetrea (Oxurion N.V.)

Ocriplasmin 1.25 mg per 1 ml Jetrea 0.375mg/0.3ml solution for

injection vials | 1 vial P £2,500.00 (Hospital only)

BNF 78 Vitreomacular traction 1193

Eye

11

Chapter 12

Ear, nose and oropharynx

CONTENTS

Ear page 1194

1 Otitis externa 1195

2 Removal of earwax 1200

Nose 1201

1 Nasal congestion 1202

2 Nasal infection 1203

3 Nasal inflammation, nasal polyps and rhinitis 1204

Oropharynx 1208

1 Dry mouth 1208

2 Oral hygiene page 1210

2.1 Dental caries 1212

3 Oral ulceration and inflammation 1214

4 Oropharyngeal bacterial infections 1217

5 Oropharyngeal fungal infections 1218

6 Oropharyngeal viral infections 1219

Ear

Ear 03-Sep-2018

Otitis externa

Otitis externa is an inflammatory reaction of the meatal skin.

It is important to exclude an underlying chronic otitis media

before treatment is commenced. Many cases recover after

thorough cleansing of the external ear canal by suction or

dry mopping. A frequent problem in resistant cases is the

difficulty in applying lotions and ointments satisfactorily to

the relatively inaccessible affected skin. The most effective

method is to introduce a ribbon gauze dressing or sponge

wick soaked with corticosteroid ear drops or with an

astringent such as aluminium acetate solution p. 1199. When

this is not practical, the ear should be gently cleansed with a

probe covered in cotton wool and the patient encouraged to

lie with the affected ear uppermost for ten minutes after the

canal has been filled with a liberal quantity of the

appropriate solution.

If infection is present, a topical anti-infective which is not

used systemically (such as neomycin sulfate p. 1196 or

clioquinol) may be used, but for only about a week as

excessive use may result in fungal infections; these may be

difficult to treat and require expert advice. Sensitivity to the

anti-infective or solvent may occur and resistance to

antibacterials is a possibility with prolonged use. Aluminium

acetate ear drops are also effective against bacterial infection

and inflammation of the ear. Chloramphenicol p. 1196 may

be used but the ear drops contain propylene glycol and cause

hypersensitivity reactions in about 10% of patients.

Solutions containing an anti-infective and a corticosteroid

are used for treating cases where infection is present with

inflammation and eczema.

In view of reports of ototoxicity, manufacturers contraindicate treatment with topical aminoglycosides or

polymyxins in patients with a perforated tympanic

membrane (eardrum) or patent grommet. However, some

specialists do use these drops cautiously in the presence of a

perforation or patent grommet in patients with chronic

suppurative otitis media and when other measures have

failed for otitis externa; treatment should be considered only

by specialists in the following circumstances:

. drops should only be used in the presence of obvious

infection;

. treatment should be for no longer than 2 weeks;

. patients should be counselled on the risk of ototoxicity

and given justification for the use of these topical

antibiotics;

. baseline audiometry should be performed, if possible,

before treatment is commenced.

Clinical expertise and judgement should be used to assess

the risk of treatment versus the benefit to the patient in such

circumstances.

A solution of acetic acid 2% acts as an antifungal and

antibacterial in the external ear canal. It may be used to treat

mild otitis externa but in severe cases an antiinflammatory

preparation with or without an anti-infective drug is

required. A proprietary preparation containing acetic acid

2% (EarCalm® spray) is on sale to the public.

For severe pain associated with otitis externa, a simple

analgesic, such as paracetamol p. 444 or ibuprofen p. 1141,

can be used. A systemic antibacterial can be used if there is

spreading cellulitis or if the patient is systemically unwell.

When a resistant staphylococcal infection (a boil) is present

in the external auditory meatus, flucloxacillin p. 554 is the

drug of choice; ciprofloxacin p. 1196 (or an aminoglycoside)

may be needed in pseudomonal infections which may occur

if the patient has diabetes or is immunocompromised.

The skin of the pinna adjacent to the ear canal is often

affected by eczema. A topical corticosteroid cream or

ointment is then required, but prolonged use should be

avoided.

Otitis media

Acute otitis media

Acute otitis media is a self-limiting condition that mainly

affects children. It is characterised by inflammation in the

middle ear associated with effusion and accompanied by the

rapid onset of signs and symptoms of an ear infection. The

infection can be caused by viruses or bacteria; often both are

present simultaneously.

Children with acute otitis media usually present with

symptoms such as ear pain, rubbing of the ear, fever,

irritability, crying, poor feeding, restlessness at night, cough,

or rhinorrhoea. Symptoms usually resolve within 3 to 7 days

without antibacterial drugs. The use of antibacterials

generally does not prevent common complications of acute

otitis media such as short-term hearing loss, perforated

eardrum, or recurrent infection. Acute complications such as

mastoiditis, meningitis, intracranial abscess, sinus

thrombosis, and facial nerve paralysis, are rare.

g Children and their carers should be given advice

about the usual duration of acute otitis media, self-care of

1194 Ear, nose and oropharynx BNF 78

Ear, nose and oropharynx

12

symptoms such as pain and fever with paracetamol or

ibuprofen p. 1141, and when to seek medical help. In

children aged 3 years and over who do not have a perforated

eardrum, pain can be relieved with anaesthetic ear drops in

addition to oral analgesics [unlicensed use]. Children and

their carers should be reassured that antibacterial drugs are

usually not required.

An immediate antibacterial drug should be given if the

child is systemically very unwell, has signs or symptoms of a

more serious illness, or is at high risk of complications such

as significant heart, lung, renal, liver or neuromuscular

disease, immunosuppression, cystic fibrosis, or young

children who were born prematurely. An immediate

antibacterial drug can also be considered if otorrhoea is

present, or in children under 2 years of age with bilateral

otitis media. See Antibacterial therapy for otitis media in Ear

infections, antibacterial therapy p. 511.

Children with acute otitis media associated with a severe

systemic infection or acute complications should be referred

to hospital. h

Otitis media with effusion

Otitis media with effusion (glue ear) occurs in about 10% of

children and in 90% of children with cleft palates. Systemic

antibacterials are not usually required. If glue ear persists for

more than a month or two, the child should be referred for

assessment and follow up because of the risk of long-term

hearing impairment which can delay language development.

Untreated or resistant glue ear may be responsible for some

types of chronic otitis media.

Chronic otitis media

Opportunistic organisms are often present in the debris,

keratin, and necrotic bone of the middle ear and mastoid in

patients with chronic otitis media. The mainstay of

treatment is thorough cleansing with aural microsuction

which may completely resolve long-standing infection. Local

cleansing of the meatal and middle ear may be followed by

treatment with a sponge wick or ribbon gauze dressing

soaked with corticosteroid ear drops or with an astringent

such as aluminium acetate solution p. 1199; this is

particularly beneficial for discharging ears or infections of

the mastoid cavity. An antibacterial ear ointment may also

be used. Acute exacerbations of chronic infection may also

require systemic treatment with amoxicillin p. 548 (or

erythromycin p. 539 if penicillin-allergic); treatment is

adjusted according to the results of sensitivity testing.

In view of reports of ototoxicity, manufacturers

contraindicate topical treatment with ototoxic antibacterials

in the presence of a tympanic perforation or patent

grommet. Ciprofloxacin p. 1196 or ofloxacin eye drops

p. 1173 used in the ear [unlicensed use] or ear drops [both

unlicensed; available from ‘special-order’ manufacturers or

specialist importing companies] are an effective alternative

to such ototoxic ear drops for chronic otitis media in patients

with perforation of the tympanic membrane.

However, some specialists do use ear drops containing

aminoglycosides or polymyxins [unlicensed indications]

cautiously in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media

and a perforation of the tympanic membrane, if the otitis

media has failed to settle with systemic antibacterials;

treatment should be considered only by specialists in the

following circumstances:

. drops should only be used in the presence of obvious

infection;

. treatment should be for no longer than 2 weeks;

. patients should be counselled on the risk of ototoxicity

and given justification for the use of these topical

antibiotics;

. baseline audiometry should be performed, if possible,

before treatment is commenced.

Clinical expertise and judgement should be used to assess

the risk of treatment versus the benefit to the patient in such

circumstances. It is considered that the pus in the middle ear

associated with otitis media also carries a risk of ototoxicity.

Removal of ear wax

Ear wax (cerumen) is a normal bodily secretion which

provides a protective film on the meatal skin and need only

be removed if it causes hearing loss or interferes with a

proper view of the ear drum.

Ear wax can be softened using simple remedies such as

olive oil ear drops or almond oil ear drops; sodium

bicarbonate ear drops p. 1200 are also effective, but may

cause dryness of the ear canal. If the wax is hard and

impacted, the drops can be used twice daily for several days

and this may reduce the need for mechanical removal of the

wax. The patient should lie with the affected ear uppermost

for 5 to 10 minutes after a generous amount of the softening

remedy has been introduced into the ear. Some proprietary

preparations containing organic solvents can irritate the

meatal skin, and in most cases the simple remedies indicated

above are just as effective and less likely to cause irritation.

Docusate sodium p. 1200 or urea hydrogen peroxide p. 1200

are ingredients in a number of proprietary preparations for

softening ear wax.

If necessary, wax may be removed by irrigation with water

(warmed to body temperature). Ear irrigation is generally

best avoided in young children, in patients unable to cooperate with the procedure, in those with otitis media in the

last six weeks, in otitis externa, in patients with cleft palate,

a history of ear drum perforation, or previous ear surgery. A

person who has hearing in one ear only should not have that

ear irrigated because even a very slight risk of damage is

unacceptable in this situation.

1 Otitis externa

ANTIBACTERIALS › AMINOGLYCOSIDES

Framycetin sulfate

l INDICATIONS AND DOSE

Bacterial infection in otitis externa

▶ TO THE EAR

▶ Adult: (consult product literature)

l CONTRA-INDICATIONS Perforated tympanic membrane

l CAUTIONS Avoid prolonged use

l SIDE-EFFECTS Local reaction

l MEDICINAL FORMS No licensed medicines listed.

Combinations available: Dexamethasone with framycetin

sulfate and gramicidin, p. 1164

eiiiF 518i

Gentamicin 11-Dec-2017

l INDICATIONS AND DOSE

Bacterial infection in otitis externa

▶ TO THE EAR

▶ Child: Apply 2–3 drops 4–5 times a day, (including a

dose at bedtime)

▶ Adult: Apply 2–3 drops 4–5 times a day, (including a

dose at bedtime)

l CONTRA-INDICATIONS Patent grommet (although may be

used by specialists, see Ear p. 1194). perforated tympanic

membrane (although may be used by specialists, see Ear

p. 1194)

l CAUTIONS Avoid prolonged use

l INTERACTIONS → Appendix 1: aminoglycosides

BNF 78 Otitis externa 1195

Ear, nose and oropharynx

12

No comments:

Post a Comment

اكتب تعليق حول الموضوع

mcq general

 

Search This Blog